---
title: "Flies — Signs, Dangers & Control"
description: "Get to know flies: types, breeding sources, diseases they spread, and how to control them at home and in food businesses."
source_url: https://etos.id/en/pests/flies/
language: en
---

# Flies — Signs, Dangers & Control

[Home](https://etos.id/en/) [Pest Library](https://etos.id/en/pests/) Flies

Pest Library

# Flies

Diptera

Flies breed in waste and decaying matter, then land on food while transferring bacteria. They are a serious problem in restaurants and food-handling areas.

## Quick Facts

Order Diptera

Breeds in Waste & decay

Active Daytime

Main risk Food contamination

## Common flies in Indonesia

- House Fly (Musca domestica) The most common; breeds in waste and filth and is the main carrier of bacteria onto food.
- Fruit Fly (Drosophila) Tiny, drawn to ripe fruit and fermenting liquids; common in kitchens and drink areas.
- Blow Fly (Calliphoridae) Large and metallic, drawn to meat and carrion; an indicator of poor sanitation.

## Signs of Flies

- Flies gathering around waste and food.
- Maggots in bins or drains.
- Fly-spot marks on walls and ceilings.

## Why Flies are dangerous

Flies transfer bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella from waste to food, causing diarrhoea and food poisoning. In food businesses, flies also harm reputation and hygiene compliance.

## Flies behaviour & life cycle

House flies complete the egg–maggot–pupa–adult cycle in just 7–10 days in warm weather, so populations explode quickly. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs on decaying organic matter. Each time it lands, a fly regurgitates digestive fluid and leaves droppings — transferring pathogens to food in a single landing.

## How to prevent Flies

- Cover bins and empty them regularly.
- Clean spills and drains.
- Use air curtains or insect light traps in critical areas.

## Frequently asked questions

How do I reduce flies in a restaurant?

Remove breeding sources (waste and dirty drains), install insect light traps, and run a scheduled control program to keep populations low.

Why do flies persist even after spraying?

Sprays only kill adult flies, while maggots and pupae at the breeding source keep hatching. Without removing the source, the population recovers within days.

Are insect light traps effective?

Very helpful indoors such as kitchens and serving areas, especially combined with sanitation and air curtains. ILTs capture flies without chemicals in food-sensitive areas.

## Need Flies treatment?

The ETOS team can help with a free site survey and treatment by certified technicians.

[ETOS Flying Insect Solution](https://etos.id/en/solution/services/flying-insect-solution/) [Free Survey](https://etos.id/en/survey/)

Customer Care

## Need help? We're ready to assist.

Reach the ETOS Customer Care team for consultation, free survey, and service scheduling.

[Tel: (021) 560 6688](tel:+622156066688) [WhatsApp: 0819 560 6688](https://wa.me/628195606688) [customercare@etos.co.id](mailto:customercare@etos.co.id)

 [Contact Us](mailto:customercare@etos.co.id)

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Other languages: [id](https://etos.id/id/hama/lalat.md)